international urbanization
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A-Walk

China's population is urbanizing at breakneck speeds. Since 1953, the percentage of the population living in urban regions has increased from 13 percent to 52% - and it doesn't show any sign of ceasing any time soon. Although a focus on urban development and investment brings with it a well of opportunities for China and its inhabitants, this rapid urbanization has also seemingly led to a gradual disappearance of pedestrians from China's streets. According to a report by Clean Air Asia, for example, the percentage of commutors traveling by foot in Shanghai decreased by 28% to 10% between 1984 and 2004. Clearly, walking is no longer a pleasant activity in China's cities!

Team aWalk seeks to explore and address the issue of walkability in China by examining the issue through the lens of the Beijing experience. Several studies have reached conclusions that suggest that pedestrian-friendly urban development is both an indicator of environmental quality and a key determinant of sustainability.
  Program on Urban Studies  |  Civil & Environmental Engineering  |  Earth Systems Program  |  International Policy Studies